Beyond the Books

Thursday, February 28, 2013

First we took Monday off to celebrate Presidents Day.Then on Tuesday we were honored to have our Mayor
William V Bell speak to our elementary students.Mayor Bell did a great job relating to our
students but what impressed me more were the thoughtful questions that our
students came up with.

Also on Tuesday we had a swimmer represent Cresset in the
state meet in Greensboro and our girls’ basketball team competed in Charlotte.It is exciting to see our students compete
against other teams at such a high level.After the basketball game, Mr. Parsons took the girls to the Billy
Graham Museum.Everyone who went came
back inspired by the presentation that the museum offered.

This week we felt it was necessary to sweeten up the
students by selling candy and flowers in celebration of Valentine’s Day.Needless to say, by Thursday we had a lot of
energy stirring in the classrooms.

Friday night I was able to dress up and attend my first
Annual Benefit Auction.What a fantastic
event.This year we used fancy devices
called BidPals.It sure made it easy to
spend money.I appreciate all who worked
so hard to make it a wonderful evening and thank you for all who free gave to
make this our most successful event.It
is a blessing to witness all who love Cresset enough to literary invest in its
success.

This week our fourth graders in recognition of Black History
week, welcomed guest everyday who presented various aspects of minority accomplishments
throughout history.Later in the week
our high school science class hosted a Science Career fair where several
professionals from a variety of science fields were able to present to our
students specific options for their future careers.Finally, a theater company came and preformed
for our 1st graders.

It is great that we have such a broad community and are able
to tape in to this array of resources to expose our students to things far
reaching beyond our walls.I would like
to thank and acknowledge our teachers who constantly seek resources that truly
enhance all areas of our students learning.

What a week of activities.My time was swallowed up with cheering on our teams.Winter sports are full of excitement but this
week really was full basketball.It is
thrilling to be in our gym and hear the pep band playing and the cheerleaders cheering
and the whistles blowing and the fans applauding.It amazes me how this simple game of
basketball with no significant effects from its outcome can bring everyone to a
central focus. Everyone enjoys winning and when the game is over they all take
their role of exultation or consultation; replaying the highlights of the game
and encouraging all that next time it can even be better.

This makes me reflect on all the encouragement that I have received
since coming to Cresset and how that encouragement is used to motivate me to
continue to do better.I wonder too how
those who work without the encouragement are able to stay motivated.

Lord, help me to daily applaud those around me to insure
that they feel appreciated and encouraged for the hard work they are doing.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

No school on Monday in celebration of MLK.Jr. Day;
therefore, the week started on Tuesday.On Friday we dismissed the students at noon due to a storm that was
heading our way.The strange thing was
that most people commented that it seemed like a long week.I guess when things are changed the new
things seem to go longer.

Anyway it still was a great week.We were able to watch a lot of great and
exciting basketball games.We are
blessed with some very good athletes.

Wednesday and Thursday, along with last week, I had the
opportunity to meet with some very successful men who were gracious to share
with me some great ideas that I hope to incorporate in our ministry in order to
bring in additional funding to strengthen our opportunities in serving our
families.Please pray that the Lord will
show me when and what I need to do.I
love this ministry and I want to be able to make it more assessable to families
who seek Christian Education and at the same time be able to significantly raise
our base salaries to reward the quality staff that we are blessed to have.

Monday – Sport Team Day; I was able to go all out for
Virginia Tech.(Although, I am not
having much luck converting fans.)

Tuesday – Wacky Tacky/Nerd Day; what a bunch of crazy
outfits.I was excited to see teachers
and students from pre-school up participating.

Wednesday – Movie hero/ Character Day – Woody was on campus
rounding up the troops.

Thursday – Throw Back Day – this was tough because styles haven’t
changed a lot over the last few decades.However, I did see a good colonial outfit which gave me an idea for next
year. Also today, the seniors on the homecoming court
gave their testimonies.Wow, what
powerful stories.It is awesome to see
God and the results of His work in the lives of young people.Pray for the strength these students need
daily

Friday – Green and Gold Day – the day ended with a pep
rally.What a great week of school
excitement.

We are blessed indeed blessed.The Church had a special meeting and
discussed ways that they could rally together and give the Academy additional
support.I am thrilled that the Church
loves and supports the Academy.The
excitement feels as if we are starting a brand new school.This is truly refreshing to all the ministries
of Cresset.

It is hard to believe that we are half way through the
year.This week started with high school
students adjusting to their new schedules and teachers adjusting to their new
students.Block scheduling allows for
this opportunity of fresh starts.

The excitement is still running strong and the plans for
next year’s budget are nearly complete.I am thrilled by the continual encouragement that I receive all over
campus.The Lord has truly blessed me
and my family by bringing us here.